Inner city infrastructure works delivered by ACCIONA for Brisbane City Council’s Brisbane Metro project, have achieved Queensland’s highest-ever As-Built sustainability rating awarded by the Infrastructure Sustainability Council.

Through innovative design and construction practices the electric turn-up-and-go metro services, which began operating in 2025, have created lasting change for the city, delivering sustainable, accessible journeys with long-term social and environmental benefits.

Built by Brisbane Move, a consortium comprising of construction-lead ACCIONA and design-lead Arup, the Brisbane Metro M1 and M2 services are helping Brisbane City Council respond to population growth and congestion while setting a new benchmark for sustainable transport infrastructure.

Joel Miller, Brisbane Move Collaborative Partnership Manager, said the project delivered a new standard for how sustainable transport infrastructure can be delivered at scale.

“Brisbane Metro demonstrates what’s possible when sustainability, innovation and collaboration are embedded from day one.

"Through smart design, efficient construction and strong partnerships, we’ve delivered infrastructure that not only supports high‑capacity electric rapid transit but also enhances public spaces and creates long‑term value for the community and the city,” Joel said.

The Brisbane Metro project achieved an Infrastructure Sustainability Council As-Built v1.2 rating of Leading, with a score of 89.02, the highest recorded in Queensland to date. This result was driven by early design decisions and construction efficiencies that reduced whole-of-life carbon emissions by almost 60 per cent compared with the original concept design.

ACCIONA and its partners delivered complex works beneath and across some of Brisbane’s busiest corridors, including a new tunnel underneath Adelaide Street, upgrades to four major stations, significant public space improvements and new sewer infrastructure.

The strengthening of Victoria Bridge enabled dedicated metro and bus lanes, as well as safer walking and cycling connections.

Material efficiency played a critical role in lowering environmental impact. Reuse of asphalt, reduced cement content in concrete, and careful material selection avoided close to 43,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.

Almost all uncontaminated spoil and the majority of construction waste were recovered and reused rather than sent to landfill.

The project also delivered strong community outcomes through local jobs, training programs, apprenticeships and formal qualifications, alongside meaningful Indigenous participation.

Cultural heritage was respected through preservation of historic artefacts and incorporation of Indigenous artwork and ceremonies into the project journey.

Completion of the Brisbane Metro core works demonstrates how large-scale transport infrastructure can support low emission mobility, protect heritage and create inclusive benefits for cities.

The new Brisbane Metro services and upgraded public spaces provide a foundation for a more connected, resilient and sustainable Brisbane well into the future.